Title
Consider making an appointment to the Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD) Board of Directors for a four-year term, effective upon appointment through June 23, 2030.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Consider making an appointment to the Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD) Board of Directors for a four-year term, effective upon appointment through June 23, 2030; and,
b. Provide direction to staff as necessary.
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD) Board of Directors has one vacancy. Consistent with Board Policy G-20, the County conducted a public recruitment process and received five applications. The Board of Supervisors is asked to consider making an appointment to the MRCFD to serve a four-year term effective upon appointment through June 23, 2030
DISCUSSION:
The MCRFD is a special district organized and operating under Health and Safety Code section 13800 et seq. to provide fire suppression and emergency response services within its service area, which includes supervisorial districts 2, 3, 4, and 5. The district is governed by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors (Board), with members required to reside within the MCRFD service territory. Current composition of the Board of Directors includes two members from District 3 and two from District 5, with one vacancy remaining.
In accordance with Board Policy G-20, a 30-day solicitation period to fill the vacancy was conducted from March 26, 2026 through April 24, 2026. Outreach efforts included postings on the County’s website and social media platforms and resulted in five applications, each accompanied by a resume and statement of interest
Pursuant to Board Policy G-20, a review committee evaluated the application materials to verify residency within the MCRFD service area and determine the supervisorial district of each applicant. The committee determined that four applicants met the eligibility requirements, while one applicant did not satisfy the residency requirement. The applications and committee findings are attached for the Board’s reference.
The Board is requested to confer and appoint a candidate to serve a four-year term on the MCRFD Board of Directors.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Administrative Office coordinated with the Office of County Counsel, Department of Emergency Management, and the Chief of MCRFD.
FINANCING:
There are no financial impacts to the General Fund resultant to the Board receiving this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action supports the County’s Safe and Resilient Communities strategic priority by helping ensure effective governance and oversight of fire protection and emergency response services within the MCRFD service area.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
___ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Committee Findings
Current Composition of MCRFD Board
Application - Charles Piercy (D5)
Application - Colby Varley (D5)
Application - Erin Harwayne (D5)
Application - Jerry Suarez (D5)
Application - John Kuehl (D5)